Ebook: Beginning Zend Framework

I am a developer with over 25 years programming experience.

There is so much WRONG with this book!

1) Since you're working with Zend Framework, you'd think the author would suggest you download and install Zend Server CE, a free Community Edition which includes apache, PHP and Frameworks and which installs and configures itself. He doesn't. Instead he suggests you download each separately and configure them manually. (Be Careful! One wrong move and your server will not work!) He also suggests you populate extra copies of the Framework into each project, wasting lots of storage.

2) It's outdated. For example: in the installation of MySQL, the author talks about installing the depreciated GUI tools rather than the workbench.

3) It is FILLED with numerous erroneous references to things not previously covered. The technical review on this book seems to be practically non existent.

4) The author walks you through a coding technique only to show you a better way to do it. You will find yourself typing code that was never meant to be in the final project. Watch Out! Many of examples have subtle syntax errors that will have you pulling out your hair!

5) And lastely, his "cutzie" writing style gets in the way of learning. It's difficult to follow as the text rambles onto this "bunny trail" and that.


Instead download a copy of Rob Allen's "Getting Started with Zend Framework". In 18 pages, Rob takes you through a simple project that covers the basics of Framework with concise, correct examples that work. Then take a look at his book, "Zend Framework in Action".